Chapel Hill eNews

Free Weekend Parking for the Holiday Season

Shop and eat locally this holiday season in downtown Chapel Hill! The Town of Chapel Hill's parking specials begin on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 23) and continue through the weekend including Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) with free public parking downtown.

UPDATE: Flooding Operations Chapel Hill

Post Date:07/03/2013

Joint News Release: Chapel Hill and Orange County

The Town of Chapel Hill is continuing its efforts to evaluate areas throughout the town that were affected by the recent floods. Clean-up and relief efforts are being diligently pursued to maintain Town services.

Damage assessment teams continued their efforts today inspecting additional homes and businesses impacted by the flood. The State has also deployed a team that will be conducting an initial damage assessment in the affected areas.

Town Parks and Recreation is reporting cleanup is continuing on area Greenways and residents should avoid these areas until they can be restored. The Community Center Playground on Estes Drive has been reopened for use. The Umstead Park Playground along with the Sykes Street Playground will remain closed until further notice.

To assist with displaced residents, the Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross will continue to operate the shelter at Smith Middle School, located at 9201 Seawell School Road, Chapel Hill.

American Red Cross has established a 24 hour help line for residents in need of immediate assistance or in need of more general flood relief information and/or services. Flood relief victims are urged to call 919-489-6541 ext. 4141.

Residents in need of assistance can also contact Orange County Social Services at 919-245-2800.

With more rainfall expected within the next 24 hours. Please do not try to drive through standing water, nor walk through moving water. If you suspect danger or need emergency assistance, please call 911.

As a community effort, if citizens see areas that look questionable or potentially dangerous, please report these issues. You may email info@townofchapelhill.org or call 919-968-2743.

After hours emergency media inquiries should be directed to the Chapel Hill Police Watch Commander at 919-612-8240.

Thursday, July 4th, all other non-emergency storm/flood related questions as well as media inquiries should be directed to 919-968-2781.

Orange County continues its efforts to respond to the flood situation in a coordinated effort.

The Orange County Health Department is helping business owners and public pool facilities to assess the damage and follow proper steps for cleanup, so they can resume operations as quickly as possible. Additionally, the Health Department is providing homeowners with information and resources for taking care of personal swimming pools, preventing the increase of mosquitoes and other health-related issues. Nurses have also been on site at the shelter to care for displaced residents.

The Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development is coordinating with the Department of Social Services to provide short and long term housing support for displaced residents.

The Department of Social Services continues to provide social workers to assist staff at the Red Cross shelter. The department is also making sure clothing and personal hygiene items are available for the displaced residents. The department is accepting monetary donations to assist with relocation and replacement of household items for affected families. Money can be sent to the Department of Social Services at 113 Mayo Street in Hillsborough.

Donated items should be dropped off at the following locations:
• Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) Thrift Store located at 89 S. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill
• Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) located at 300 Millstone Drive in Hillsborough.
Both agencies have agreed to allow displaced families to shop for clothes and household items for free.